The Central District Court ordered on Monday the extension of the detention of all minors who were arrested in connection with the Independence Day murder of Yemano Zalka, according to a statement released by the State Attorney's Office.
The decision, which approved the State Attorney's request to extend the minors' decision until further notice, followed an extensive hearing at the Central District Court. As a result, the defense attorneys' requests to secure the release of some of the minors earlier this week were rejected.
The incident occurred in the morning hours of April 22, during Independence Day celebrations in Petah Tikva.
Zalka, 21, was working at a local Pizza Hut when a group of teenagers entered the premises, causing disruption and vandalism, which led to a brief confrontation when Zalka intervened.
The youths left the premises, but after Zalka finished his shift, the group ambushed him outside the restaurant, where he was beaten and stabbed.
All 16 suspects will remain incarcerated
Zalka was rushed to Beilinson Hospital in critical condition and died of his wounds two days later, on April 24.
Following the attack, an investigation by Israeli Police led to the arrest of 16 minors, aged 15 to 17.
Zalka's death ignited nationwide protests, vigils, and intense public debate over systemic failures in addressing teenage crime, as well as the general rise in criminality in Israel.
With Monday's court ruling, all 16 suspects will remain incarcerated.
The State Attorney's Office is expected to submit formal indictments against the youths in the coming days.